A small number of Estimated Income Tax coupons were inadvertently mailed to the incorrect address by a state vendor recently, according to the Department of Revenue. Approximately 45 of the 411,110 taxpayers who were mailed Form 1-ES, Estimated Income Tax coupons, received the incorrect coupons. DOR became aware of the vendor error on Friday evening, February 23, 2007 - and worked over the weekend to identify and resolve the problem. The Taxpayer Advocate's Office personally notified each of the affected taxpayers, and new coupons are being distributed.

DOR utilizes a third-party vendor for the printing and distribution of its Estimated Income Tax payment vouchers. Massachusetts income taxpayers are required to make estimated tax payments on any taxes due on income that is not subject to withholding.

"Maintaining the confidentiality of personal information is our highest priority," Revenue Commissioner Alan LeBovidge said. "The Department extends its apologies for this unfortunate printing error and assures taxpayers that DOR's systems and their tax information were in no way compromised."

The Department has strong internal controls and safeguards in place to ensure that tax return data is not compromised. DOR is performing ongoing monitoring of the affected taxpayer accounts. In addition, DOR is conducting an independent review of the printer's current safeguards and procedures to ensure that they prevent any future occurrence of this nature. If a taxpayer has any questions or concerns, they are encouraged to contact the Department's Taxpayer Advocate, Joseph McDermott at 617-626-2253.